It was the US that threatened Malaysia, says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says two notices, sent to Wisma Putra on Oct 13 and Oct 30, request Malaysia to change its stand and not continue with its non-recognition of Hamas as a terrorist group.

(FMT) – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that Malaysia has received three “demarches”, or diplomatic notices, from the US embassy on Malaysia’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict and Hamas.

He said two notices, sent to Wisma Putra on Oct 13 and Oct 30, requested Malaysia to change its stand and not continue with its non-recognition of Hamas as a terrorist group.

The other notice, received on Oct 18, involved Malaysia’s ambassador to Washington being called by the US state department to explain Putrajaya’s firm stand on the Palestine-Israel conflict.

“I also spoke at a recent event last week, and I emphasised that Malaysia remains steadfast in our independent stance, our humanitarian considerations, and our view of the (Israeli) invasion as unlawful from both a legal and international perspective,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during the prime minister’s question time today.

A “demarche” is frequently used in international relations and diplomatic affairs, in which a government may issue a notice to convey its official position or request to another government.

During the Palestinian solidarity rally at Axiata Arena last Wednesday, Anwar claimed that he was threatened by Western powers for his criticism of the Israeli government following the war in Gaza.

Anwar said he will continue supporting the Palestinians despite the threats.

He noted that many countries had not considered Israel’s assault on Gaza since 1948 an invasion, despite having condemned Russia for invading Ukraine.

“When Israel occupied the Palestinian territories for decades, it was considered legitimate and unchallenged by countries, including the US,” he said.

Anwar also said Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan had contacted him to inform him of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s intention to organise a conference of the heads of Islamic countries.

He said the conference would involve countries that have taken stern stances against Israel’s invasion, including Brazil, Russia and China.

“I have instructed the foreign minister to contact Turkey and Saudi Arabia. There may be a justification for an emergency meeting involving countries like Brazil, Russia and China, which have taken a firm stance against Israeli violence,” he said.